Mugello MotoGP: Valentino Rossi undergoes surgery on broken leg

Valentino Rossi is undergoing an operation on the right leg he broke in a huge practice crash at the Mugello circuit earlier today.

The reigning world champion had further checks on his damaged leg at the Careggi Hospital Emergency Centre in Florence having been flown by helicopter from the Mugello circuit.

And it was decided to operate immediately on the broken tibia (shinbone) that is likely to keep Rossi out of action until August.

Rossi suffered a huge high-side at the first part of the fast Biondetti chicane and the incident has killed off his hopes of winning the MotoGP crown for a third successive season in 2010.

Initial reports are that Rossi could miss the next six races and return for the Czech Republic GP at Brno on August 15.

But some sources are saying Rossi might even wait to return at his home race in Misano in early September with fears he could be sidelined for three months.
The injury will end Rossi’s proud record of never missing a race in his career that started way back in 1996.

Tomorrow’s Italian MotoGP race will be the first time in 231 races that Rossi has not started.